Fallen Chaplains Honored at Ft. Jackson

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By
Monique Williams

Story Created:
Nov 16, 2012 at 2:55 PM EST

Story Updated:
Nov 16, 2012 at 6:35 PM EST

FORT. JACKSON, S.C. (WOLO) -- The Midlands loves its military soldiers, no doubt. Thanks to a special ceremony honoring a jeep, a stained glass window and fallen chaplains, that love is memorialized forever.

While a wreath laying was held separately, it was of Veterans Day. In fact, the event was three fold: it's about a jeep, a stained glass window and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, whose duty will never be forgotten.

A dedication and wreath-laying ceremony Friday morning at Ft. Jackson honored the names of one army chaplain and six chaplain assistants permanently etched in stone on the campus of the Ft. Jackson Army Chaplain School...and in the minds of those who sang their praises.

The wreath laying is the last part of a three part honorary celebration. The first is a 1952 Willy Army Jeep that was refurbished to its original army glory and placed on campus.

Historically speaking, jeeps were issued to chaplains enabling them to provide services in the field to soldiers. The man who nursed the battered and bruised battle vehicle back to life was awarded a U.S. flag in appreciation.

The second part to the celebration is the deceased commander in chief, officials say, is responsible for creating the Army chaplaincy in the first place. It's a stained glass window depicting a then-General George Washington and his troops at Vally Forge.

From the past to the present, fellow soldiers, friends and family are grateful. Descendants of one of the fallen heroes are proud of a man who died in war bringing others to safety.

"I think there are old men alive today who probably owe their lives to what he did," said the surviving nephew.

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